Last week I encountered a consequence of the Fair Housing Act when I attempted to place an ad for a female roommate in a local newspaper to find a woman to live in the spare bedroom of my house (I'm a widow). In wording my ad the ad taker insisted that I could not ask for a female roomer; I had to use the word person, otherwise the Fair Housing Act would call my request "discrimination."

The Delta County Planning Commission's final public hearing on the Proposed Master Plan was Wednesday, May 9, at Delta High School. During the public comment period, about 29 people chose to express their opinions.

After months of planning commissioner Steve Schrock stated that the North Fork Valley was disproportionately over-represented throughout the Master Plan revision process, I was pleased to see that he appropriately credited the North Fork Valley's participation in his interview with KVNF on May 2.

I was saddened by Annette Brand's recent DCI story on the financial woes of many of our towns and districts -- especially the school district.

Many blamed the loss of severance tax dollars (taxation from declining extraction industries) and the Gallagher Amendment, which dictates how assessors value property, and assess taxes (lower property tax collections are expected this year as a result of Gallagher and TABOR influences).

This letter is in response to the message from the current representative to Congress from the Western Slope, Scott Tipton, praising the new tax reform bill. From what I have read, Mr. Tipton is not telling the whole story.

In response to KVNF's interview with three planning commission members on the Draft Master Plan (May 1, 2018): There are five planning districts and three commissioner districts in Delta County. There used to be at least one member from each of the five planning districts on the planning commission.

Delta County is a rural oasis in a doughnut of suburban type development. Why has Delta County been spared the strip mall development and sprawling subdivisions that surround Montrose, Grand Junction, Glenwood and Carbondale?

As families with young children we are concerned that the proposed Master Plan does not adequately protect health, safety, clean air and water, and economic resilience needed to create long-term future opportunities for our kids. We live in Delta County because of the access to clean food, water, and air as well as incredible outdoor recreation opportunities and are particularly outraged to see that nowhere in the Master Plan are children mentioned.

Can a woman win the Third Congressional District? This question maybe would've been relevant in the 1950s, but with powerfully able women leaders as ambassadors to the UN, as justices of the Supreme Court, as governors and senators -- it's a question of yesteryear.

Aside from the people who got caught up in the IRS website crash on Tuesday, I imagine that we're all glad to have Tax Day behind us. I'm no exception, but it was a reminder of something that troubles me: a Republican tax plan that favors billionaires and corporations instead of hard-working people like me.

There is only one person that has a possibility of overcoming the oil industry support of our current 3rd District federal representative and that is Diane Mitsch Bush. If we truly want across-the-aisle representation of the interests of the people of Colorado and the nation, we have only one choice: Diane.

This year, April 17, marked a day each American dreads: Tax Day. In the weeks leading up to this day every year, Americans scramble to fill out complicated tax forms with the hope that some of their hard-earned money will be returned by the government.

I'm writing to recognize a remarkable achievement by the Delta-Montrose Community Concert Association (DMCCA) -- 70 years of providing outstanding family entertainment to both Delta and Montrose Counties. Since 1948, the Community Concert series has brought to this area all manner of highly talented professional performers with national and international reputations.

What a breath of fresh air to see younger people interested in running for positions in our local governments. This is a welcome change that many of us have discussed for a long time and yet little has been done until recently.

Arts Coalition of Delta County met Monday, April 9, with three visitors and three board members in attendance. Our guests were there to support AC/DC in starting a Delta County theatrical group and also the art side of our emphasis.

The Orchard City election results are in -- our voice was loud and clear. Orchard City Master Plan 2016 (last paragraph) "Use of Citizen Committees: Orchard City could expand citizen involvement to bring additional energy, ideas and resources to bear on specific issues.

In the past I have written letters complimenting and praising Delta-Montrose Community Concerts for the excellent talent and entertainment they have provided to the residents of Delta. I am aware that this special opportunity for our residents is in danger without new blood and new resident members willing to support the musical arts in our community by joining and purchasing annual memberships.

I learned something recently that I did not know. The Supreme Court has ruled, and lower courts have confirmed, that assault weapons and high-capacity magazines are not protected by the Second Amendment.

It's good to see Senator Michael Bennet and Representatives Polis and DeGette joining a letter from congressional leaders to urge that the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM) keep its methane rule in place. This rule, recently upheld in court, protects American taxpayers as well as our clean air.

Delta County residents: do you remember your American history? One of the triggering events that spurred the original 13 American colonies to revolt against the British Empire in the 1770s was the American colonists' complaint of "taxation without representation." This is a situation in which a government imposes taxes on citizens who have no representation to voice their views.

I am compelled, again, to respond to candidate Bill Brunner's latest screed, printed as a letter to the editor in the March 21 issue of the DCI. I knew when the first letter from the Brunners appeared in the Jan. 24 issue of the DCI that this would probably be an ongoing assault.

I want to thank the people of Paonia and the surrounding area for a terrific first year here as your town administrator. As everyone knows all small towns have their "dramas" going on, but I can honestly say that I've really enjoyed my first year here.

I am writing at this time to the citizens of Orchard City to clarify my position on the tax initiatives that appear on the ballot all voters should have received in the mail by now. There are three tax initiatives on this year's ballot -- sales tax, property tax and tax on sales of marijuana should some future board approve sale which is presently prohibited by past resolution of the board.

Governments owe their existence to the communities they serve, and they exist to secure and protect the rights of the people and those communities. Any system of government that fails to do so is not legitimate, lawful, or constitutional.

I remember one of my favorite teachers in high school talking to a small group of students one day about politics. I remember saying, with all the wisdom and authority of an 18-year-old, "I'm voting for such-and-such -- he's a great politician."

When I was elected to the Paonia Town Board in 2014, it was the first board that did not include any trustees present during the Chesnik debacle. The only board member left from the Chesnik era was former mayor, Neal Schwieterman.

Scott Schaible wrote an alarming amount of conjecture and misinformation about me in his most recent letter to the editor. In fact, there are so many fallacious, misinformed, and disrespectful claims that I am not entirely certain that I can respond to each of them -- but I will certainly do my best.

Jay Stooksberry's service to this community shows his commitment and dedication to the success of Delta. Jay tirelessly worked with Region 10 to help gain grant funding and other funding used for broadband development and small business support.

The North Fork Valley is in the midst of local elections. The results of what might not seem like such a "big deal" can determine whether our towns will continue operating with forward progress or be trapped again trying to operate with council opponents throwing roadblocks on every issue at every meeting.

Here is my account of events preceding the Paonia Town Council's threat to discipline me. Mayor Stewart, Mr. Bradford and another trustee decided to abandon the road looping Creek Vista and Pan American Avenues, leaving both streets dead ends without a turnaround.

In these days of negative news, it is encouraging to experience a truly positive event in our area.This was the case at the complimentary lunch served last Saturday by the new owners of the Hart's Basin Ranch.

Mr. Brunner is a former Paonia town trustee. He resigned on June 14, 2017. When he resigned, the board was considering his removal for violating "state statutes, the Paonia Municipal Code, and the Rules of Procedure adopted by the board."

Measure 2A on the Crawford ballot for April 3 is in reference to a marijuana tax to be implemented only if the sale of recreational marijuana was approved by the voters. The ballot issue has a lot of legal wording, which makes it hard to understand.

My name is Jan Gage and I am running for trustee in Orchard City in the election which closes April 3. In the last few days some of my friends and I have been approached by Orchard City citizens who have expressed concern about where I stand on the issue of commercial marijuana grow operations and retail dispensaries within Orchard City.

Our community is crying out to understand what to do about drugs and suicide among our youth.

On Feb. 28, I attended a public event organized by a coalition of leadership from District 50 administration, Center for Mental Health, Delta County Sheriff's Office, represented by both the sheriff and undersheriff.

Jay Stooksberry has shown in several ways that he has the ability, desire and leadership skills to be the person we need for a position on our city council. As an at-large representative, Jay has reached out to many residents to hear their concerns.

Dr. Susan Bright has been my primary care physician for almost a decade and I am in a state of disbelief and despondency concerning her departure. An unfillable void will be left, as she is an exceptional physician who views her patients as human beings with lives, not just numbers.

I am writing to address every person who is a candidate for the municipal elections to be held in April. I am asking that every candidate who is victorious or who earns or retains a seat because of no opposition to remember you will take an oath.

On behalf of the board of directors and the membership of the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce, I am writing to endorse the reauthorization of Colorado's Lottery Division by the General Assembly in 2018.

I know I am not alone in my shock and disgust when I received my property tax bills this year.

There is very little incentive to buy dilapidated properties/businesses and fix them up when the county immediately reassesses their value to an inflated amount and increases property taxes drastically.

Dr. Don Ridgway, who in my mind embodied the soul of what it means to be a physician, passed away this morning. I had the privilege of being his partner and essentially his apprentice when I first started the practice of medicine at the North Fork Medical Clinic in 1994.

I've read a lot of opinions on what to do on the heels of the Florida shooting, all old and none are good. They seem to break down into three categories: the gun, mental health and a problem with our current times.

Funding from the outdoor recreation industry is an important part of Colorado's economy, and it has the potential to grow, as shown by the recent move of the Outdoor Retailer trade shows from Utah, bringing an estimated $45 million in direct annual spending.

Thank you for posting the format of both major political parties' caucus process as defined by Colorado state law. The Republican Party caucus will be held in two locations: Precinct 1-14 will be held at the Delta High School Cafetorium and Precinct 15-20 will be held at the Hotchkiss High School cafetorium.

In the Feb. 14 edition of the Delta County Independent we saw a paid announcement by Bill Brunner criticizing Dave Bradford and a committee of Paonia citizens for the upgrading of the miners memorial statue and entrance to the Paonia Park. We heard a few weeks ago from Mr. Bruner's wife and now we hear from Mr. Bruner.

On Feb. 21, the president of Gunnison Energy tried to tell our community that oil and gas development does not conflict with our existing local economies of agriculture and outdoor recreation, and won't affect our brand or quality of life. As a local resident, farm worker, search and rescue EMT, biologist, and avid outdoor enthusiast, I see things much differently.

Rocky Mountain Wolf Project is making progress toward reintroduction of wolves in Colorado. Mike Philips, biologist, former US Fish & Wildlife Service employee, presently state senator in Montana and executive director of the Turner Endangered Species Fund, recently held a meeting in Carbondale to win support for reintroducing wolves in Colorado.

Delta High School would like to thank all those who have responded to support us through the recent tragedies that have so deeply impacted the students, staff and families of our beloved school. This support has come to us in so many ways and from so many people we feel it is important to express our gratitude and be sure that we all recognize that we are truly a part of an amazing community.

This will be my second response to accusations made about Paonia trustee David Bradford's ethical lapses, and I certainly hope it is the last. There IS a committee to propose and review the proposed improvements at the park entrance and either of the Brunners could have volunteered for it if they found it so worrisome.

David Ludlam is at it again. He appears to believe so deeply in the primacy of the oil and gas industry that he allows those convictions to cruelly smother any shred of common sense that a human being should muster when assessing potentially profound threats to one's home and way of life. His recent letter in the DCI exposes his willingness to blatantly lie or at least to heavily bend his truths in service of his insatiable industry.

Fracking our wilderness and agricultural watersheds will contaminate our ecosystems, similar to the ancient practice of the sowing of salt. Hundreds of proposed fracking sites litter the headwaters of the North Fork of the Gunnison River, which supplies water to some of Colorado's most productive agricultural lands. Fracking spills, leaks and dumps of fracking produced water are unavoidable.

Try building a house in Orchard City off of Highway 65 and see what happens. Seven years ago I bought three and a half acres off Highway 65 and this past summer built a small house on the back corner of the property.

You may have seen the following posted on Facebook in recent days, and we feel it perfectly says exactly what we as Girl Scout leaders hope our community understands about why our girls are asking you to buy cookies, and we wanted to share it with your readers.

It's times like these that I wish I'd paid better attention in my high school civics classes. Then, I might have been better prepared to reconcile how our county commissioners could adopt a hot-topic ordinance without hearing the voice of a single citizen publicly speak before the ordinance's adoption.

Funding from the outdoor recreation industry is an important part of Colorado's economy, and it has the potential to grow, as shown by the recent move of the Outdoor Retailer trade shows from Utah, bringing an estimated $45 million in direct annual spending.

I see that the local anti-oil and gas activists have released yet another flawed so-called economic study which claims oil and gas development is harming Delta County. As usual, the premise of the report is that oil and gas development inherently conflicts with and harms agricultural and recreational activities.

My name is Tom Wills and after serving for 14 years on the town council I am offering to serve as mayor of Hotchkiss. Larry Wilkening, who has a very good background in management and seems to be a very competent, nice guy, is also offering to serve in that capacity.

I have lived in Delta County for over 40 years and have always been satisfied, and even proud of the county's health care. I have watched the hospital grow, have been a patient at the hospital, and have seen friends and family members brought into its care.

The press release from Citizens for a Healthy Community (DCI Feb. 7) is filled with so many inaccuracies, it's hard to know where to start. But I suppose the biggest one is the false choice fallacy CHC's entire premise is based upon, that warrants the most attention.

Now that I am officially NOT a candidate to continue as a trustee for Orchard City I have a few things to say to all of the citizens of my beloved home for more than 50 years. I am not speaking to the small vocal group that has harassed and threatened the present board of trustees and the mayor as well as town staff for the past 18 months.

Recently a letter was posted regarding a welcome and tips for newcomers to Paonia. In my opinion, this letter was less than welcoming and rather more conforming. I am glad that, as a "newcomer," I have met many more welcoming people than was represented in this letter to the editor.

I am submitting this letter of support for Great Outdoors Colorado on behalf of the Interpretive Association of Western Colorado (IAWC). IAWC, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, that recently took over the operations of Fort Uncompahgre, a replica of a historic trading post built in the 1820s, located in Delta.

Whether we Americans want to admit it or not, there's irrefutable evidence that the Russians interfered with our democratic election process. And just as a reminder, mid-term elections will take place in November of this year.

The battle waged by Edwin Hostetler, the Farm Bureau and Olen Lund against the resident landowner adjacent to the egg laying operation, veterinarian Susan Raymond, has been one-sided and prejudiced in favor of the conservative community in this valley without any consideration for the rights of landowners who also live and work here and have the inherent right to breathe clean air and be protected from industrial activities disrupting their lives and well-being.

A recent letter sent to the DCI by high school student Carson Roithmayr regarding the appalling comments President Trump made deserve a response. Right now every school district in the country is dealing with how to prevent school shootings, teenage suicide and bullying -- bullying being a catalyst that starts a lot of these horrible events.

Last month, the so-called "renewable fuel standard" turned 10 years old. Most people are familiar with the federal ethanol mandate through their time at the gasoline pump, and the "this fuel contains ethanol" disclaimer.

Without sufficient process, Paonia Board of Trustees has decided to spend more than $20,000 on an art project in the park, commissioning the work from Trustee Bradford's personally chosen, out-of-town source. Doing business in a meeting no one attends is not the same as seeking public involvement.

Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is a program that is funded by the Colorado Lottery that provides a source of money for different recreation and conservation projects across the state. This is a program that has brought millions of dollars to Delta County over the past 24 years.

I recently read some thought-provoking comments by a city council candidate. I don't know if the comments were intended to create dissension within the current city council or an opportunity for the writer to promote their own personal, political and philosophical agenda.

The Town of Hotchkiss recently completed the final phase of a multi-year project upgrading sanitary and storm water sewer in the town. Pinon Drive on the west end of Hotchkiss was the last work to be finished.

Locals are noticing a LOT of new people in town... Used to be that we recognized almost all of the people we'd see in Don's Market -- now it's less than half who seem familiar. So, welcome all newcomers and here are some tips to integrate into our wonderful community:

On Jan. 10, I spoke at the Town of Orchard City's regular meeting. "I respectfully ask our trustees to pull, in its entirety, the marijuana tax ballot question, Resolution 2018-02 because a complete cost analysis of this 'enterprise' has not been provided.

In his letter to the editor of Dec. 13, "Nullifying the estate tax," David Lindbergh outlined a utopian and unsubstantiated description of the trickle down theory. The more money and power structured into the system for the top tiers of society the more they will spend on houses, cars and boats, etc. hiring others to maintain their growing assets and thus the benefits trickle down.

Evidently anti-energy activists are going to try again even though their attempt in 2016 didn't even make the ballot. The language they filed seeks "2,500-foot buffer zones between oil and gas development and occupied buildings, such as homes and schools and vulnerable areas, such as playgrounds and drinking water sources."

Coloradans across the state are hardworking individuals who know what's best for them, their families, and their communities. They understand that keeping more of their own money in their own pockets instead of sending it to Washington will provide them with more freedom to make their own decisions.

I am so tired of all the misinformation and half-truths being written and said about the GOP tax bill that I felt compelled to research and give the public straight information. All of these facts are from Forbes, Business Insider and the The U.S. Tax Foundation.

I attended the Summit on Education Reform in Nashville, Tenn., where speakers and panelists from across the nation discussed directions education is taking and how our schools can prepare students for an ever changing future.

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos spoke about school choice and the role of parents in selecting the best school for their children.

I could not resist responding to Mr. Lundberg's "economics 101" arguments supporting repeal of the estate tax in his Dec. 13 letter. While I'm at it, I'll explain a few other "quirks" in tax policy that clearly benefit the well-off over the middle class taxpayer.

I am not wealthy, from a wealthy family and have few friends who would be affected one way or the other by repeal of the estate tax. I feel compelled to respond to the diatribe of social justice warrior, Susan Wilmot, and her condemnation of wealthy people.

Delta County is a wonderful place to work, play, and raise a family. Our county leaders have been wise to maintain a fiscally responsible budget reflecting the fact that our county is still recovering from the financial crisis.

Thank you to the Delta County Commissioners and Planning Department for the amount of time they spent on the public hearings, review of citizen comments and for their careful deliberations on the "change of use" and specific development application submitted by Paonia Holdings LLC. The process took seven long months, and the Board of County Commissioners reached a decision to deny the application on Dec. 4.

We know that in the Garden of Eden, God gave us all of the seed-bearing plants on earth to use... "And God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:12. We also know that the Food and Drug Administration approved the medical use of THC in 1992, 25 years ago.

David Ludlam's recent opinion piece (Eco-snobbery reveals contradictions and false choices) in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel could be parody if not for real consequences that fracking, drilling and transport pose to the North Fork. Today it's our small farming community that is the sacrifice zone; tomorrow it might be your child's playground or a retirement community.

Over the past year, I've listened as representatives from many worthwhile organizations delivered their pitch for financial help to Delta County's Commissioners. Most have walked away with the same response, "Sorry, we don't have the funds."

In response to an old fogey's viewpoint I would like to comment. And as a women approaching 70, I probably fall into old fogey category myself, so this comment comes from looking back over clothing choices covering a 50-year period.

I just want to send out a big thank you to a couple of our peace officers in Delta County. Unfortunately I do not know their names but one is a member of the Cedaredge Police and the other is with the sheriff's office (actually the only female deputy I know of) for the help and support they gave my son when his car had the transmission go out in Cedaredge on Thursday night.

As the wife of a Delta County Ambulance District employee, I would like to thank everyone who recently voted in favor of approving a mill levy for the Delta County Ambulance District (DCAD). Thank you to all the citizens who took time out of your busy schedules to attend the informative meetings presented by Kirby Clock, the DCAD manager.

The next time you see you local mail person give them a thank you for all they go through to deliver your mail -- from the daily lifting of 70-pound tubs full of mail, dodging dogs, driving postal vehicles in every weather condition imaginable, and praying not to get rear ended each time they pull up next to your mail box on all the busy highways out there.

A couple of years ago, the Cedaredge town manager, golf pro and golf course maintenance manager asked to speak with representatives of the two homeowner associations that surround the Cedaredge Golf Course.

I was privileged to attend the Nov. 7 election vote count as a watcher at the Delta County elections office. Having been a voter for 44 years, I really didn't have a clue as to how the counting process was carried out.

Bike trails in the Dominguez Escalante NCA -- I can't believe that the BLM is considering this proposal. I recently applied for a right-of-way with the BLM to place a properly lit and properly displayed flag pole for an American flag at the Highway 50 Christmas tree site and was turned down.

After reading the DCI article on the grant awarded by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to Delta County for the ENGAGE project, I want to thank our county commissioners for supporting this effort. As commissioner Doug Atchley was quoted as saying: "ENGAGE will be a game changer for Delta County" and will put "Delta County on the map as the place to grow great ideas and businesses."

Years ago, before Vally and I had any children, we took a couple of days away from college and explored western Colorado. We stopped for the night in Delta, both having the thought that this would be a cool place to live.

Veterans Day is Nov. 11, when we remember and honor those who have served and the 0.5 percent of the U.S. population now serving in the armed services. Currently they all volunteer and do so for many reasons but all know they are risking their lives to do what their country asks of them and to keep the battle from coming here.

We at the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce are just coming off of a very successful AppleFest celebration, and thankfully, we only had one very minor injury during the weekend. A little boy scraped his finger at the playground and desperately needed a bandaid.

First, a reminder to all who are eligible to seek insurance coverage through Colorado Connect for Health, the sign up period began on Nov. 1 and will continue through Jan. 12 (in Colorado). Due to insurance company contracts being in place through 2018, subsidized insurance (and expanded Medicaid) is still available for lower income people for the coming year.

The last time the vote came up to finance the continuation of our Delta ambulance service, I voted for it because I thought it was necessary and would maybe save someone's life. Now I KNOW it's necessary.

Once again, I find myself writing a letter to the editor to encourage local residents to vote in favor of a mill levy increase to help pay for the operation of the Delta County Ambulance District (DCAD). Nothing much has changed since my letter of last year, except that the DCAD is struggling even harder to maintain reliable service to our community.

I read the letter from Robert Laitres who stood up for the NFL players who refused to stand up for the national anthem and I then read a letter in another publication from a lady who lost her Marine stepson in Iraq. The fact that the NFL players "think" they have a right to protest any grievance, real or imagined, before an NFL game while on the payroll of the NFL owners is nothing short of despicable.

After reading last week's letter to the editor, and reading it again, I cannot believe a person claiming to be a news reporter, claiming un-biased reporting of the news, while maintaining complete objectivity, would write such a biased, non-factual letter concerning Obamacare, or the Affordable Care Act.

On behalf of the Delta County Memorial Hospital board and the administrative team I would like to announce our support of the mill levy increase for the Delta County Ambulance District (DCAD). The hospital and ambulance have a strong partnership that has led to improved access to high quality care in our county.

Our Delta Health and Wellness Center - Family Clinic is very appreciative of our recognition (in last week's paper) for quality in the health services and the way we do business. As the administrator and provider, I can say with confidence that the recognition is because of our fine staff and incredible board of directors.

Mr. Dana Harvey was impressed with a picture of high school football players showing "respect for the flag," as it left him with a nice warm and "fuzzy" feeling. Perhaps Mr. Harvey would be less impressed if he paid closer attention to what brought about the demonstrations by some NFL players, instead of doing what far too many do, bury their heads in the sand.

You know something has the marking of elitist environmentalists when an oil and gas development plan in a remote area of Delta County takes a decade to get approved. I can't even begin to imagine the amount of tax dollars that have been lost with this drawn-out and ambiguous process.

The president of the United States has declared war on the health of the citizens of the nation and our very lives are at risk.

This past week the president of the United States in effect told a good portion of the residents of the North Fork Valley, county and nation that he did not care if they died prematurely, and/or had to declare bankruptcy, plunging their families into poverty.

The North Fork Ambulance Association fully supports a property tax increase to adequately fund the Delta County Ambulance District. We strongly encourage the residents of Delta, Cedaredge and Orchard City to pass this ballot measure for the safety and well-being of their community.

I fully support the positions that the Delta Fire Protection District and the Delta County Mosquito Control District have taken in regards to the City of Delta and the Delta Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) -- they should not be able to demand taxpayer funds for projects that the City of Delta council members wish to fund.

Delta County Commissioners have made an interesting addition to their public meeting agenda. If you follow these things, you know there is a regular agenda item called "constituent time," the time that "we the people" bring issues to the board.

On Oct. 2, the Western Slope Democratic caucus converged on Denver to join our colleagues at the state capitol for the first special legislative session held since 2012. The six of us arrived united in our resolve to help correct a mistake that, left unaddressed, will have negative consequences for many hard-working people in rural Colorado.

After seeing the picture of the Delta High football team in last week's DCI all standing in line hand over heart and helmets at their feet for the national anthem, I had to write and congratulate the players, parents, coaches and school officials. In this day and age all we hear about our youth is the bad things, but I have renewed faith in the future of this great country by the actions of a small but dignified group of players.

Crawford residents recently received a flyer in the mail for "Notice of Election to Increase Taxes" in Crawford, from Teri Stephenson, Delta County clerk and recorder. It contained summaries filed by persons FOR the issue, and summaries by persons AGAINST the issue.

The Delta County Mosquito Control District No. 1 (DCMCD#1) agrees with the fire department that the City of Delta and the Delta Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) should not be able to demand taxpayer funds for projects for their benefit. They are demanding taxpayer funds earmarked for health and emergency services for the next 25 years!

The Democrat Party should be ashamed. Its members have enacted programs that reduce personal initiative. They are harming this country with illegal immigration, handouts to able-bodied people, a "health insurance" program that greatly increased rates, deductibles, regulations, and costs, taxpayer-funded payouts to cronies (Solyndra plus), expensive, unconsitutitional legislation, and so much more.

Where are the NFL players that I remember after 9/11 who stood proud with police officers and firefighters holding American flags over their hearts, many with tears streaming down their faces when the national anthem as played?

I believe that Sara Rapp has been misinformed about the effects of marijuana (letter to the editor, Sept. 20). It is NOT a "gateway drug" in any way, no more than drinking Coke is a gateway drug to liquor.

We were very happy to see that DCMH is honoring September as Sepsis Awareness Month. Since losing our mother, Ruth to sepsis last November, we have encountered a number of other people impacted by this condition.

The Delta County Fire Protection District #1 condemns the actions of the Delta Urban Renewal Authority (DURA). DURA, which is nothing more than a cash-grabbing front for the City of Delta, is aggressively siphoning tax dollars from special districts to fund the development of a proposed, high-end riverfront hotel -- all without a public mandate.

In response to Pat Sunderland's article, "City of Delta's building inspector draws fire," page A3 of the Sept. 13 issue of the DCI, please note the numerous times we obediently honor and recognize the "rules of the road" while driving around our fair city.

Dan Reardon is doing his job. He does not make up the regulations, just enforces the requirements of the building codes. He has inspected our two-car garage with a shop, our remodel and our master suite addition.

Delta and Gunnison counties held a joint work session in Delta on Wednesday, Aug. 30, regarding several issues that were of interest to many of us: the North Fork Methane Work Group, the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative, trail connections between Paonia and Crawford to the Gunnison Area, the ICELab/Business Development/EDA Grant, outdoor recreation industry opportunities, the Gunnison sage grouse, and oil and gas updates. In spite of this fact and in spite of the open meeting Sunshine Laws of the State of Colorado, Delta County did not give proper 24-hour notice of this meeting.

One can very clearly see the difference in perspective if one compares the contents of my previous letter demanding condemnation of white supremacists and fascists openly demonstrating in our city streets, proclaiming white supremacy, advocating fascism, advocating antisemitism, and Mr. Locke's irritation at NFL football players "taking the knee" during the national anthem.

I am writing this letter to say thank you to all the hardworking folks who created two beautiful parks in Orchard City and a fine town hall. Oh, how I wish that my husband, Walt Johnson, could have lived to see the finished product because he dreamed of doing things like that when we moved to Orchard City in 1989.

In the midst of a complex yet inevitable decision to remove the upper portion of the aged 215-year-old Ute Council Tree, I applaud the actions taken by the good people of our Delta County Historical Society.

I get so tired of reading all the damage fracking has or will cause and why it shouldn't be allowed. Another guy, a lawyer or big shot with environmental groups, has a different excuse every time he writes a letter.

I purchased a 2.75-acre lot in North Delta with a manufactured home on it. The home was in ill repair but after some fresh paint, new flooring, new appliances, new cabinets and a new roof and carport, the place looks really beautiful.

Our county government should consider more the interest and welfare of its citizens and itself. Our commissioners support the fracking development that has recently surged, but they did no cost/benefit analysis or assessment of risks and costs.

For those NFL football players that want to take a knee during our national anthem, I suggest since they are highly educated college graduates, they can better serve their communities by being a member of a local service club -- Lions, Elks, Kiwanis, Rotary etc.

This past week Western Colorado Congress took several individuals, members of the community and media to the skies to survey the proposed land for the Fram Whitewater oil development project. I find it ironic that a group which continually protests and tries to block responsible oil and gas development projects in our region hopped in an airplane and burned 100 gallons of gas in an effort to battle yet another economic driver in our area.

As a former educator, I am well aware of how convoluted and difficult it is to parse public education funding. I am also aware of the frequent promise made by oil and gas operators that increased development will improve our schools and increase funding.

Our Town of Paonia council meeting on Aug. 8 was so civil that was a pleasure to attend. Much of the time was spent on the approval of All Hemp Trading which had attendees on opposing sides of the issue.

The public is being asked to absorb the environmental and public health risks associated with oil and gas development, based on promised economic benefits. Unfortunately, Delta County, like many other counties, supports oil and gas projects without conducting a cost-benefit analysis, and most importantly without a public debate on perceived costs and benefits.

At the Crawford Town Council meeting of July 12, Cameron Clark resigned as a trustee. There was no official publication of this vacancy by the Town of Crawford either in local news media, town website, or town marquee.

In response to Robert I. Laitres' letter, referencing service members contacting their senators and representatives. As a retired USAF NCO, I can say unequivocally that there is NO prohibition on them being able to contact their senators and representatives.

The Trump administration has proposed legislation which would limit legal immigration and award immigration points based on ability to speak English, high-paying job offers, age, record of achievement, and entrepreneurial initiative. Really? How many swindlers can you think of that that describes?

I attended the last meeting of the Orchard City Town Council at which cannabis was discussed. I mentioned the medical benefits of cannabis and recommended that all interested parties watch a 15-minute CNN report on the internet by Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

The DCI ran a "clarification" in last week's issue confirming that the county revised its agenda for the July 17 commissioner public meeting and made it accessible to the public after the meeting had begun. In the article, Robbie LeValley, the county's administrator, reported "the revision was posted on the administration bulletin board at the county courthouse on Saturday, July 15 ...

While playing around with this or that, some fundamentals get ignored. One of those things was a recent request by Trump to have those on active duty in the military become involved in domestic politics by calling their senators and representatives.

While most of the coverage of air emissions issues tends to focus on the more densely populated Denver Metro area, we on the Western Slope have a great deal of familiarity on the issue given our history of oil and gas development.

It is regrettable that your publication basically avoids editorial comment, pro or con, on local issues. Yet you have no problem letting your reporter, Hank Lohmeyer, use his personal agenda in crafting what happened in many meetings over the years and misleading the reader about what really happened.

In the July 19 Delta County Independent's article, "Orchard City citizens speak out on pot plan," it was stated that I have a "muscle disorder." In fact, I said I have multiple sclerosis, which is a neurological disorder.

Conservation Colorado has just released its first-ever Rivers Report Card (https://conservationco.org/2017/07/conservation-colorado-releases-report-card-colorado-rivers/). It included the North Fork of the Gunnison River, and gave it an overall grade of B-.

President Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) into law in 2001. Since that time Colorado has tested students and used the tests and other assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the K-12 school system.

At a recent commissioner meeting, staff from Citizen's for a Healthy Community (CHC), a Paonia-based anti-fracking nonprofit, presented their report examining the financial cons behind oil and gas development in the area.

The county was strangely prepared. During constituent time and following a dramatically revised agenda that was posted to the county website at 8:12 a.m. for a meeting that began at 8 a.m.

The debate over health care coverage will likely come to a head in the U.S. Senate this week. As I write this, it's still a close call whether the Senate will vote, as did the House, to throw millions of Americans off the health care coverage that has dramatically improved their lives.

Jim Wetzel has been an outstanding museum director/curator and will be deeply missed. I remember when Jim came on board. His love of history, combined with his eccentric and academic nature, has been tremendous assets.

In the most recent newsletter from the Town of Cedaredge, it was stated that the DCI misrepresents the town's issues with the golf course. It is ironic that the town would blame the DCI for the same offense we believe the town is guilty of committing, especially after reading about the huge increases in water rates!

I applaud Laura Earley for wanting to see our community thrive and prosper. However, I respectfully disagree that the Delta Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) will be the vessel to achieve this goal. When you weigh the pros and cons, it's more than apparent where the scale tips.

Please let me take a moment to thank all the people of Delta and the surrounding communities who contributed to our Food for Thought food drive we hosted at Walmart June 27-29. Food for Thought continues to provide meals for children in need over the weekends during the school year.

After reading the front page DURA article in last week's DCI, I feel the need to clarify Delta County Libraries reasons and thought process for signing the IGA with the DURA board. In 2013, we tried to increase our mill levy due to the decreasing funding from much reduced property tax values.

In my work, I attempt to involve as many stakeholders as possible so as to solicit as many good ideas as possible. In the case of overhauling the nation's health care infrastructure, the number of stakeholders is about equal to the population of the United States.

In regard to the urban renewal proposal described in last week's paper, it seems that Delta leaders should have learned a good history lesson with the golf course considering, the excessive projection of economic impact from visitors playing. And we are still paying for the debt and operations.

Once people are in Washington for a while, they get the impression they are smarter than the people who actually work for a living. Now Rep. Tipton has introduced HR 2907, requiring a federal agency to predict our energy needs over the next 30 years and create a four-year plan for meeting those needs.

On behalf of our Zeta Omicron ESA sorority I want to say thank you to the Delta County Independent and to the wonderfully supportive community in which we live. We just completed our 45th annual Edge of the Cedars Art show.

In anticipation of the June 21 joint meeting of the Delta County Planning Commission and the North Fork Area Planning Advisory Committee, the Libertarian Party of Delta County would like to express its support of Mark Levin's application of land use change for the parcels in question. LPDCO also encourages all advocates of private property rights to attend this meeting, which takes place on June 21 at the Paonia Town Hall, and speak on Levin's behalf.

The passing of SB 17-267, Sustainability of Rural Colorado, marks a significant moment in Colorado history. This bill -- in addition to other components designed to support rural Colorado through transportation and education funding -- will move the hospital provider fee into a separate enterprise, protecting Colorado's hospitals from a half-billion-dollar budget cut.

As Republicans attempt to "repeal and replace" the Affordable Care Act (ACA), they often claim that insurer withdrawals from health exchanges prove that the ACA has failed. And yet, the Republicans' actions are directly contributing to those withdrawals.

I was so disappointed when I heard that Susan Raymond had lost her civil suit against the Hostetlers. But I was even more disappointed to watch people turn against each other where this issue is concerned.

In response to the firing of FBI Director James Comey, who was heading an active investigation regarding Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, a March for Truth is scheduled in Grand Junction for Saturday, June 3. Western Coloradans will be marching that day along with citizens in more than 100 cities nationwide.

I am a pro-business, pro-private property rights retired CPA. I work as the lead business counselor for Region 10 Small Business Development Corporation helping North Fork Valley residents start or expand businesses.

Kudos to the Trump administration for reviving the Jordan Cove Project and vowing to make the project a priority. It's refreshing to have an administration that supports energy development and is excited about stimulating our country's economy while contributing to our independence.

This is my account of the issues behind the recent discord at Paonia Town Council meetings. Earlier this year the town reached an agreement with the residents of Hawk's Haven over access and ownership of the gravel road, now closed to traffic, that should link Creek Vista with Pan American Avenue.

I have been a candidate for governor for just over two weeks now. When I entered the race, I received the strongest reaction from folks living in rural Colorado. Their message was remarkably consistent -- "Don't forget about us."

On May 2, Delta County Commissioners appointed two new members to the Delta County Planning Commission. These are important appointments especially during the master plan update project, which officially kicked off this past week.

So, to "celebrate" Earth Day, an employee of the Delta County Health Department thought it would be cute to post on his Facebook page encouraging people to burn a tire. At least he did not say you should invite your neighbors and your grandkids to roast marshmallows over the glowing embers filled with noxious gasses.

As a retired naval officer who views active citizenship as a key value of democracy, I wrote to Senator Cory Gardner voicing my opposition to using Congressional Review Authority (CRA) to reverse the BLM methane capture regulation put in place during the Obama administration.

Across the country and in communities like ours, government employees serve and protect us every day. Throughout the year, but especially during Public Service Recognition Week, May 7-13, we should gratefully acknowledge their service.

It is critical that every resident in Colorado District 3 knows what "our" representative, Scott Tipton voted for in Washington. He voted to take health care away from all the working poor currently covered under the Medicaid expansion (149,000 Colorado families).

One of my top priorities is to pass legislation to replace the broken healthcare system created by the so-called Affordable Care Act (ACA), with one that makes health care affordable and accessible for Coloradans. Too many people who are insured have premiums that exceed their mortgage payments and deductibles north of $6,500 that have to be met before their insurance even kicks in.

They are the largest group of underappreciated, under recognized, yet largest unsung heroes we have in our state. Every moment of every single day they place themselves in harm's way for the citizens of the State of Colorado.

Drug Free Delta County would like to invite the community to share in its celebration of National Drug Court Month with two Family Treatment Court graduations on Monday, May 8, at 4 p.m. in Judge Steven Schultz's courtroom in the Delta County Courthouse. We hope you'll enjoy seeing the graduations and stay after to share in refreshments to support the new graduates and other drug court clients, their families, the treatment court team and volunteers.

The Sentinel article (April 17, 2017) on the North Fork Valley's efforts to create new economies in the wake of the decline in coal mining was first rate. It gave a sense of how much pain people experience when the economy shifts beneath them.

I am so fortunate to go to work every day at Grand Junction High School where I am surrounded by a remarkable group of students and staff. The rash of suicides throughout this valley, but especially within our high school, has made this school year indescribably difficult.

Who were those people at Congressman Tipton's town hall meeting in Montrose -- shouting, interrupting, stomping their feet, booing, waving signs and generally acting like the cheering squad at a hometown basketball game? And why were they so ill-mannered as to badger our elected U.S. congressman in this unseemly fashion?

On Thursday evening, April 13, more than 60 people attended an informative and cordial town hall meeting with Delta County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) CEO Jason Cleckler. Many thanks to Mr. Cleckler for his articulate and illuminating presentation on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), its impact on health care in Delta county, the current state of DCMH and plans for the primary care clinic in Hotchkiss and the urgent care center in Paonia.

Financial exploitation targeting older adults is a major problem in the United States. As many as five million older adults fall victim to financial abuse each year at an estimated cost of $3 billion annually.

I am responding to the out and out falsehoods in last week's DCI "We must demand climate action." The author repeats the usual fear-mongering panic-stricken claims to get people to vote to hurt themselves.

The headline in the Guardian "Climate change: 'human fingerprint' found on global extreme weather" recaps the science on global warming and so-called "climate weirding," the effect climate change is having on the planet's weather.

And while attributing cause to any single event is difficult, the impacts of climate change are being seen in global weather patterns from floods and deluge to wildfire and drought.

I am a director on the board of the Delta County Memorial Hospital and I am, again, attempting to persuade our senators and representatives to take action protecting the ongoing viability of rural hospitals.

Please don't assume that people in need of medical services in Delta County, Montrose County, Gunnison County or even in Mesa County have the financial ability and/or the physical ability to travel many miles, like to Denver or even Grand Junction, for medical services.

Many Americans have already forgotten about the Clean Power Plan (CPP), the Obama administration's signature effort to reduce carbon emissions from the nation's power plants. But not the nation's coal communities.

At a March 20 public meeting, I spoke with county commissioners about $480,000 of lottery funds being held in the county's Conservation Trust Fund account. I asked that the commissioners consider the creation of a community commission to help strategize the use of those funds.

Attached is my letter to state legislators expressing my concern for supporting, promoting and maintaining the rural hospitals of Colorado, even in the face of TABOR limitations and demands for financing roads, schools, etc.

It saddens me to write this letter but will scare the hell out of me if I don't.

I read in the DCI of Orchard City's doubling of water rates on March 8, just hours after the actual hearing and vote. If the town trustees had publicized their rate hike scheme well in advance and held public forums in advance of their approval vote, there would have been far more than two town residents present to object.

Delta County has received between $100,000 and $123,000 each year since, at least, 2010. These funds are maintained in a Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) as required by the state and year-end reports are filed by the county to show funds received and how they've been spent.

As a longtime resident of the Western Slope, I taught in the public schools which requires salvaging and not wasting materials. I had up to 350 students a week on a budget of $1 per child; waste is not an option.

May I say how very refreshing it is to open the paper and see the article on FFA Week, the pictures of each chapter and their stories. A huge shout-out to the members, their parents, their advisors and teachers, all of the businesses and individuals who support agricultural education and anyone actively involved.

Since the OPEC oil embargo in the 1970s, America's energy policy has appropriately (though ineffectively) been focused on energy independence for decades. Now, with the fracking boom providing abundant natural gas (NG) resources plus some oil on top of it, the United States finally has the opportunity to, if not completely achieve, come close to achieving energy independence.

I am writing to ask you to withdraw your co-sponsorship and support for HR 167, Stopping EPA Overreach Act of 2017, and instead concentrate your efforts on stopping global warming by bringing renewable, non-polluting sources of energy online as quickly as possible.

The Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule that was issued by the Obama Administration was one of the most onerous federal water and land grabs in history -- it undermined state water law and priority-based systems, inserted federal control over western water rights, and put decisions about our water in the hands of Washington bureaucrats.

I have two, no three reactions, to the article "Timeline details marijuana votes and regulations" by Matt Soper (DCI, March 1). First the majority of the article is correct as it relates to the timeline of events and what occurred.

I'm responding to your article (Feb. 15) "Seniors, disabled vets eligible for property tax exemption." One problem -- even if you have lived in and owned your home for 10 years you can NOT transfer that exemption to a new or different home.

I hope the public will wake up to see that the misguided Republican party agenda is to cut taxes for the wealthy and eliminate much-needed services for the public and the planet. Choosing this agenda equates to the public shooting themselves in the foot.

What a travesty that the public at large has been deceived, yes deceived beyond comprehension by masterful propaganda. Unfortunately, this has been essentially a worldwide scheme backed by huge monetary gifts and orchestrated by a very successful but small number of politicians and scientists.

I want to set the record straight. The Delta County Independent misquoted me when they said that the courts had little concern for us (Appeals court upholds ruling on pesticide drift, page A3, Feb. 15).

Reading the Feb. 15 opinion letters blasting President Trump, I feel four letters from Cedaredge is not coincidental. Was it the result of some Democrat coffee clutch where liberal Kool-Aid was served instead of coffee?

We take our freedom for granted and believe that it will continue to exist. President Trump has just taken the first of many actions to limit free ability for us to know what he has decided what our national government agencies can do.

I would like to thank all the citizens of Crawford for their recent participation in our local government process. Statistics from the recall election mirror more or less, the divisiveness seen at the national level.

I appreciate Jakki Taylor's letter in the Feb. 8 DCI, especially her well-crafted statement that she can't read the minds of the Women's March marchers but she can read their signs. I don't claim to read hearts or minds, either, so we probably have a lot in common.

After reading several letters to the editor concerning confusion about The Women's March on Washington and writers' confusion on why a march was deemed necessary, I reflected on my own reasons for resisting this president and his administration.

Congratulations to John Heckman on his desire to proudly wear a "pussy hat" as he finds fellow progressives to march with under the guise of women's rights while participating in a thinly disguised anti-Trump, pro-abortion rally. Oh, yes, that is exactly what those demonstration were about.

It is hard to express the gratitude we have for everybody who has helped us after the life-changing news on Nov. 18. We want to give special thanks to Sheriff Fred McKee, Undersheriff Mark Taylor and all of the employees of the Delta County government.

Congress just declared open season on federal lands, our national forests, national parks and BLM lands in their first move to attempt to sell off or transfer these lands to the states. They basically put a value on these lands of $0.

A front page article in a Jan. 19 edition of the Grand Junction Sentinel titled "Earth sets hottest record in 2016 for third consecutive time," indicates that climate change is occurring at a rapidly accelerating rate. Data separately compiled by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, National Air and Space Agency and England's Tyndall Center for Climate Research show that 2016 was the warmest year ever recorded on a global level.

I was very disappointed to hear the county commissioners decline my request to add the county website to the official posting place for public notices. In a digital age where so many of us rely on cloud-based information, this seems to me to be a missed opportunity on the part of our county commissioners.

Surface Creek Community Services wishes to thank the Town of Cedaredge for allowing us to use town facilities. We would not be able to help the many people we are providing food for here in the Surface Creek Valley without the town's help.

Responding to the article on the Jump Start program in the Dec. 28 Delta County Independent:

When the program was established by the Colorado State Legislature I doubt established businesses in Delta County and other counties that have provided services to our community, have struggled, paid taxes, employed personnel, were ever considered during the extreme decline in our county.

After the last national election ballot that included multiple candidates and confusing issues, you would think the ballot for recall of Mayor Wanda Gofforth would be a simple "yes" or "no." However, Colorado State Election Law allows Mayor Gofforth a response to reasons for her recall.

The board of directors of Surface Creek Community Services would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the people of this community for the wonderful response to our Christmas box distribution this year. Donations have been pouring in and we have received enough to cover all of the 250 Christmas boxes we made up for our annual distribution.

It greatly saddens me to be witnessing the current situation in Crawford. In a town that has been my home for nearly 35 years, I have cherished and admired the willingness and ability of our citizens to pull together and work together for the welfare and benefit of the town and citizens in spite of differences of attitude, age or economics.

Arguing in abstracts and superlatives is not something that is at all convincing to some of us, as it is all too frequently used to conceal very base, selfish and self-serving motives. Two of those terms encountered are "hero" and "great."

The City of Delta spent some $30 million on an overpass so that ambulances would not have to wait at the railroad crossing. The voters turned down an ambulance district request for additional funding so there would be no additional delays in ambulance response to an emergency.

I would personally like to thank the many volunteers who helped serve Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to over 280 members of the North Fork Valley. With your help and support you made many people very happy.

I am really having mixed emotions about the letter from Debbie Schum in your Dec. 14 edition. On one hand I am somewhat faltered that she apparently thinks I am some kind of community leader and therefore should be taken to task.

Webster's Dictionary defines the word delusion as a "false conception, especially one persistent and opposed to reason." It saddens me to realize how many of my neighbors in Crawford are starting to exhibit behaviors that fit this description.

There is language in the GOP platform and several bills before Congress to turn vast quantities of federal lands over to the states for resale to oil, gas and coal mining, as well as timber and other industries. We need to stand together to FIGHT and keep our public lands, public.

Politics in the small town of Crawford has become a travesty of political bullying brought on by two individuals that show behavior that is not carefully considered nor sensible. Do they want a pot shop in Crawford?

During the past six months I've written several letters to this editorial page regarding issues I've had with the Town of Crawford and its mayor. None of those letters sought to disparage, assassinate anyone's character, or destroy their careers.

A crisis is looming for local governments that are dependent on sales taxes and it will come crashing down in the near future. Traditional brick and mortar retail is entering its final struggle against certain death.

I would like to say this on behalf of Crawford Mayor Wanda Gofforth and town clerk Cally Gallegos. Mayor Gofforth as a council woman and later as mayor had knowledge of Carl Page's bad behavior toward town clerks prior to the request for the restraining order.

Two years ago, we found ourselves in New York City, in a dusky interval between touchdown at La Guardia and departure on a bus for an upstate Navy base. Bustles of Christmas shoppers morphed into throngs as we skirted Madison Square Garden, and, being from western Colorado, we were at once dazzled and overwhelmed.

Talk of transferring federal lands to the states has started once more. Some people express opposition because of the costs of wildfire suppression, which was over $2 billion in 2015 and is anticipated to keep increasing.

I read with interest the various facts, figures, and woes of the Crawford town budget. However, there is an obvious omission of the nearly $8,000 in legal fees approved by Mayor Gofforth and the town trustees.

Last week's announcement that the Bureau of Land Management removed a significant portion of oil and gas leases in the Thompson Divide country should be regarded as good news. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and the BLM announced that 25 of the 60 leases would be permanently retired.

I feel so sad ... not because of who won and who lost the election and/or the amendments but for all the hate and disrespect of humans on other humans! A ton of what I'm seeing, hearing and reading is filled with so much anger and hate.

My fellow Americans -- now is the time for citizens who possess real ability and the skills to produce real, tangible, results, to take their rightful place at the table. Love it or leave it has never been more applicable.

I would like to thank the voters of Crawford for an excellent turnout, and I commend those of you who voted against the tax increase. As such, after six months of wasted effort, our town council is once again hosting a public hearing to discuss the town's budget deficit ... a public hearing where certain members of the public are allowed no input.

I thought my short story should be told. My name is Phoebe, aka Phoenix, and I am a one-year-old female small black lab who hasn't been able to use her back legs since birth. I have been dragging my hind quarters everywhere to reach my food or doggy room; consequently sores have developed on my derrière.

Delta County Libraries recently tackled the process of writing a strategic plan that will guide the direction and focus of our libraries for the next three years. The process began in July 2016 and the Library Board adopted a written strategic plan on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

As a mother of four, a grandmother of eight, a great-grandmother of 11 and an elementary school teacher for 35 years, I would like to compliment the parents for raising such well-mannered and thoroughly delightful children who came to our door on Halloween.

Last month, one of your readers' letters was published under a title of "Don't fall for the climate change 'crisis'." In that letter, the writer urges us to "consider all sides" in the study of the climate. This letter is in that spirit.

Amendment 71 will impact how and what amendments reach the ballot in the future. It is said that it will offer rural counties such as Delta a voice in the process but after reading the ballot, I have a different opinion.

This election will be the most important one this country has experienced since the Civil War. We can vote to preserve the Republic or we can continue to go down a dangerous path to fundamentally transform America.

This presidential election has certainly caused a stir among people but the most disgusting part of this election is the media's support of the Democratic Party. I'm so sick of the news reports trashing Trump and turning a blind eye to Hillary's lies.

At this time of ugly political hassling, I believe it is time to celebrate something beautiful.

All through the spring and summer the residents of Delta County and people traveling through our lovely area have been treated to the joy and beauty of the flower planters on Main Street in Delta and Cedaredge, as well as the cascading flowers in the planters at Bill Heddles Recreation Center.

I would like to speak to the Hispanic community regarding Donald J. Trump's run for the president of these United States. His stance on our border with Mexico is in your best interest, perhaps even more than the rest of the country's residents.

As this election day draws nearer, I want to convey my personal experience and contact with our former state senator, Gail Schwartz, who is a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives for Colorado's 3rd Congressional District. This represents my own opinion and not of any organization to which I belong.

Apparently our health is negotiable. As health studies continue to come in re: the harms of unconventional oil and gas extraction (fracking) and production, it is time for citizens to get informed and take action.

Today's voting dilemma with both Trump and Clinton is due to a century of individuals and state legislators failing to fulfill their counterbalance to the central government and their Article V obligation to amend the U.S. Constitution.

Except for the hard core statists, America has never faced such a presidential voting dilemma.

I read with interest the article in last week's DCI regarding voter support being needed for the mill levy increase for the Delta County Ambulance District. Although I rarely feel the need to write a letter to the editor, this is one of those times when I consider myself fairly well qualified to comment on this subject.

The Cedaredge Women's Literary Club urges voters to support the Delta County Ambulance District by voting YES on Ballot Issue 5A. Our area relies on this group of dedicated women and men in our times of greatest need.

This upcoming election provides a clear choice in candidates for county commissioner for District 3. The Republican candidate, Mark Roeber, is a lifelong resident of Delta County and a proven commissioner who is campaigning on promoting commerce while preserving our environment, character and culture and actively seeking citizen involvement.

I support the "Raise the Bar" Amendment 71 and here's why. Imagine a well-funded special-interest group spending millions of dollars to amend the Colorado constitution to benefit an out-of-state corporation. Ridiculous?

It is perplexing how many people have jumped onto the "power to the government" bandwagon. Amendment 71 is a power transfer from ordinary citizens to government actors who are beholden to lobbyists and special interests.

Whether you love participating in democracy or not, one thing is for sure,

To the two major presidential candidates, the Republican and Democrat party leaders will you please claw your way out of the gutter you have dragged the rest of us into? A game of who can out accuse the other of deceit, crimes, bigotry based on sex, race, religion, gender, marital status, etc., and who is least fit to lead this nation.

This November we will have the opportunity to vote on the Colorado End-of-Life Options Act, Prop 106. This is a statutory proposition, not a constitutional amendment, initiated by Coloradans for Coloradans.

As citizens and community leaders of Delta County we are writing to thank our county commissioners for their participation in the creation of the North Fork Alternative (NFA). Three years ago the Board of County Commissioners along with a team of community members including the Western Slope Conservation Center, VOGA, the West Elk AVA, CHC, chambers of commerce, realtors and ranchers submitted the North Fork Alternative Plan to the BLM.

If the presidential shenanigans are burning you out, please don't get so turned off that you don't vote. We have an opportunity to vote for an energetic, inclusive, and results-oriented congress person this year -- Gail Schwartz.

I normally do not support special district mill levy increases. I feel that these increases levied on property and business owners need to be shared by all users that the special district provides services for.

The Town of Orchard City Board of Trustees appreciate and support Delta County Ambulance District's efforts to provide quality, reliable and professional emergency medical services to Delta County visitors and residents.

The Delta County Board of REALTORS® is concerned. REALTORS® believe every Coloradoan should know how Amendment 69 could affect their lives, if passed. Amendment 69 would amend our state's constitution to establish a government agency called ColoradoCare System to collect a 10 percent tax on ALL income to provide health care for all -- 10 percent of all income from whatever source the income is received.

Last April the Delta County Ambulance District's board of directors passed a resolution to put a ballot measure to the voters in the November election. Ballot issue 5A asks district property owners to approve a 3.25 mils increase changing the tax rate from the current 2.25 mills to 5.75 mills.

Working together Gail Schwartz for U.S. Congress and Travis Mills for Delta County Commissioner can make a wonderful team that will promote and protect the North Fork area organic food producers. The North Fork of Delta County is well known in Colorado as being the major area for producing high quality organic produce.

Incumbent Congressman Scott Tipton's YouTube campaign video is titled "Gail Schwartz's War on Coal devastated Delta." At the very end, there is a distant photo of three lonely, seemingly abandoned concrete silos.

With only a few weeks until the end of the BLM's comment period on its Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP), which will guide its decisions for the next 20-30 years, there needs to be more public education about the harms of oil and gas development. I can provide citations for any of the facts I report.

I was speaking recently with some friends who are involved with Citizens for Animal Welfare and Shelter (CAWS) and they told me that the shelter in Delta, set up and managed by dedicated volunteers and employees in the face of overwhelming and heartbreaking conditions, is facing a serious funding shortfall.

I'm writing this letter because inadvertently I gave a lot of material to hospice and in that box was a P-38 World War 2 plane made out of brass Japanese shells made by my father. Whoever has it or bought it from Heirlooms for Hospice, please this is a family heirloom and I would love to have it back.

The National Active and Retired Federal Employee (NARFE) Association represents the interests of almost 100,000 federal employees and retirees in the state of Colorado. ColoradoCare, also known as Amendment 69, would replace the Affordable Care Act (or Obamacare) as a single-payer health care system in Colorado.

I am a Colorado native and have lived in Delta County for the past 23 years. I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Mark Roeber for the 23 years that I have lived here both as a rangeland specialist for the U.S. Forest Service and as a trustee for the Town of Paonia.

A 2015 Gallup poll found that six in 10 American voters agree that a third major political party is needed to improve the state of politics. If you are one of the many American voters looking for other options, please consider Gary Johnson, his running mate Bill Weld, and the Libertarian Party in 2016.

Jay Ziegler starts his letter to the editor (Sept. 14) on sales of marijuana with how he is appalled about the tax dollars being spent on lawyer fees. I think if the truth was told we would see that the fees are because of his actions and a few others that have an agenda of bringing legal sales of marijuana to Crawford against the will of the people and the town council.

As a taxpayer, I am appalled at the decision of the Crawford Town Council to waste taxpayer money ... THOUSANDS of dollars of our money, so that Mayor Wanda Goforth could throw a childish tantrum in front of a judge while taking legal action against one of our taxpayers.

Two seemingly unrelated key area events have occurred. First, the Bureau of Land Management's Uncompahgre Field Office (UFO) released the Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) that will direct management of all BLM land and mineral rights in Delta County for at least the next 20 years. Public comments on the RMP are due Nov. 1, 2016.

Thank you to everyone who refused to sign proposed ballot initiatives #75 and #78. Despite the hundreds of petitioners out in force throughout the state over the past couple of months the "anti-fracking movement" was unable to collect enough signatures to get their anti-fracking initiatives on the November ballot.

After 9/11 President Bush wisely froze $150 billion of Iran's money that was being held in our U.S. banks (yeah, we're surprised too). He did that because Iran has always been the biggest supporter of terrorism around the world.

With reference to Mr. Erik Nesse's letter to the editor published in the Wednesday, Aug. 24 Delta County Independent. We don't know if Mr. Nesse lives in our rural area or another rural area of Colorado, we don't know if he represents the insurance industry, sits on the board of a hospital or has a title that would distinguish him as a doctor or attorney because his letter came via email with nothing other than his name as an author.

Over the last few months we have been visiting communities in the Third Congressional District to discuss the opioid abuse epidemic that is sweeping our nation and deeply impacting communities in Colorado. We recently held our fifth roundtable discussion on opioid abuse in my hometown of Cortez.

I'm a recent graduate of CMU and attended a public meeting hosted by the Sierra Club and Western Colorado Congress regarding what they refer to as the "Oil and Gas Threat Map." I came into the meeting with an open mind, but quickly discovered the threat map can be misleading to the public, and the Sierra Club had no interest in explaining why.

My parents, too, taught me guilt by association and as a kid not to be in or around those who smoked pot or groups that were drinking. Even if I wasn't partaking, I would be arrested -- guilt by association.

Because silence is consent, this letter is written in response to the sovereign citizen story. It is very troubling that a city manager and local law enforcement would make assumptions based on their personal beliefs and then act with federal authorities to label local citizens.

I'm a registered Republican, but I won't be voting for Donald Trump or Scott Tipton in November. Trump is incompetent, and Tipton doesn't seem to understand that being a U.S. representative means he should represent the people of his district, not outside big industries.

So-called global warming and resultant climate change are ostensibly being used to justify the war on coal and energy independence thus funneling trillions of dollars to radical Islamist regimes like Iran that are dedicated to the destruction of Western ideas and culture. But what if there is no global warming and therefore no climate change?

I read the article in the DCI about the "sovereign citizen" label. I do not know any of the organizers of the meeting held on the subject. I do know that I was told as a very young person about "guilt by association."

We, the family of Mary Finnegan, from the Eckert-Cory area would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who were so ready and willing to help in any way during the 2 1/2 weeks Mary was missing and since she was found.

The CDC reported that deaths from Hepatitis C, the only strain of the virus that is not vaccine-preventable, have hit a record high in recent years. Hep C now kills more Americans than any other infectious disease, including HIV/AIDS.

The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) mission is "to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations." They recently released the draft Resource Management Plan (RMP), a 20- to 30-year blueprint for the course of future public land use.

We've received about 20 annoying robo-calls in the past month from Foundation for American Veterans soliciting donations. While we care greatly about our veterans, I was suspicious enough to check online to see if they were a real charitable organization.

As a former resident of Delta, born and raised, I felt compelled to write to express my thanks to the many residents who have dedicated themselves to the beautification of my hometown. I recently visited while attending my class reunion.

On behalf of the Old Spanish Trail Association, may I express our deep appreciation to all of the wonderful friendly people who hosted us in both Grand Junction and Delta during our recent Old Spanish Trail annual conference!

I was sorry to read that the people of Delta County are facing layoffs and economic uncertainty as government red tape strangles coal mining in the North Fork area. Were coal not crippled by over-regulation, it is probable that coal, not natural gas, would be the cheaper option.

As the United States of America struggles with the senseless killing of peace officers and the hostility toward law enforcement officers in many communities, I want to express my thanks to the citizens of Delta County who have reached out to state their appreciation and their thanks to the Delta County Sheriff's Office and to the police departments within Delta County.

I want to thank the churches who came together to present the service in the park as part of Deltarado Days last week, and all who attended. It was a wonderful service, and it was nice to see so many in the community gather and worship together.

On Thursday, July 21, at around 3:30 p.m., I was returning home from the Cortez area with my wife on Hwy. 550 near Colona. An hour earlier we had gotten in the middle of the traffic backups due to CDOT operations performing cleanup of mudslides across the highway near Sawpit and Placerville.

I'm submitting this so the community is aware of what I told the Delta County School Board at its last meeting, July 21, in reference to the Department of Education directive for Safe & Healthy Students concerning so-called transgendered persons using restrooms and locker rooms of their opposite anatomical sex.

You scoff at the ridiculous story of the emperor who was duped into wearing no clothes, and whose trusted ministers followed along, but look at what's happening before your very eyes today!

I am a licensed and insured driver of a motor vehicle. In a scenario of me NOT intending to violate a traffic law by failure to stop at a stop sign but the traffic officer cites me anyway into court to face the charge.

Our priority at the Colorado Gerontological Society is providing seniors with the best care possible, which is why we are joining the community in recognizing June as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. One in 10 Coloradan seniors suffers from Alzheimer's, and many more family members and friends are impacted by the illness.

Recently, I've noticed an influx of people not knowing how to operate a four-way stop. TWICE this week I've pulled up to the stop sign, and while waiting for my turn, a vehicle would squeeze in on the right and then turn right.

Advocating for extractive industries at the expense of local communities or living, sustainable ecosystems, a tone-deaf BLM continues its long, outcome-proven tradition of ignoring the concerns of citizens. Releasing its long-awaited Uncompahgre RMP, a document laying out a blueprint for decades of activity in our resource area, the agency has muted citizens' issues regarding oil and gas development on thousands of acres in and around our cherished North Fork Valley.

A special thank you to the persons of Delta County who wholeheartedly carried the message of Roger Bentley in the election effort for county commissioner District 3. Many hours were spent by numerous folks in planning, writing and distributing my message to the Republican voters in Delta County.

The BLM is currently accepting public comment on the federal coal program, which now has a hold on issuing of new leases for coal mines. You can send your comments to: BLM_WO_Coal_Program_PEIS_Comments@blm.gov. Here are comments I have sent:

Who benefits from a transition away from coal? Removing coal from our nation's energy mix, will not be without environmental consequences that must be analyzed in the BLM's ongoing review of the federal coal leasing program.

Clarification of June 29, 2016 article "BLM open house attracts 150-plus." The BLM's Draft Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Study for the Uncompahgre Field Office is a 20- to 30-year management plan for our public lands.

The silence from the Delta County Republican Central Committee and our local elected Republican officials regarding Linda Sorenson is deafening. The only thing we hear is the Ullreys (he is the vice chair of the Central Committee) attempting to convince us that she is not racist which I never implied.

The oil and gas industry provides more benefits than we can count to our local community, state and country. But despite all of its benefits environmentalists continue to fight to eliminate the industry with complete disregard for the comforts we receive from this industry:

I am writing a letter to this community to let everyone know that there is a particular timing and wording that needs to be taken when reporting a crime. If you are later than a day in timing or you are vague in your description of what happened, you most likely will lose your case.

I am responding to the retired Marine's letter in the June 22 DCI. First, I want to sincerely say to him, thank you for your service to our country. There are no sources given for the information presented regarding gun violence.

After the lofty and lively rhetoric of the Crawford Town Council campaign, its citizens now face the "realpolitiks" of our new mayor and town council. Realpolitiks is defined as "policy based on power, rather than ideals."

I am writing to respond to Mr. and Mrs. Vic Ullrey's letter to the editor that was published in the June 15 issue of the Delta County Independent entitled, "Right to free speech is under attack."

Mr. Ullrey, who is committee vice chairman of the Delta County Republican Central Committee, and his wife were writing in strong support of Linda Sorenson, chairwoman of the Delta County Republican Central Committee.

National establishment Republicans seem to want the party to implode instead of accepting that Trump was chosen by Republican voters. Now it seems that some people are trying to implode the local Republican party.

For the past six years I have been directly involved in trying to educate our commissioners in Delta, Montrose and Mesa counties on how federal mandates, by and through an agenda called sustainable development, have dwindled our economies and driven businesses out, including but not limited to, logging, mining, ranching, farming and drilling. Our towns are drying up because the economy that made us prosper has been regulated out of business.

I want to commend the Board of County Commissioners for its flexibility and willingness to follow the recommendations of multiple voices, including the area and county planning commission members and DCED, in updating the county's land use regulations. The BoCC at its regular Monday work session approved seeking bids for a planner to revise the Master Plan before making any substantial changes to the Specific Development regulations.

Remember Juli Gonzalez who used matches and gasoline to kill 87 people in a Bronx bar in 1990; hundreds killed or injured by armed Islamic terrorists in Paris, even with France having stricter gun control laws than we have;

As the pastor of Community Spirit United Church of Christ in Montrose and as a representative of the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, both of which are committed to human rights and equality for all people, I want to publicly thank Rev. Cathy Hamrick (Presbyterian Church of Delta), Pastor Carol Rhan (First Methodist Church) and Rev. Tom Seibert (St. Luke Episcopal) for hosting a candlelight vigil at Presbyterian Church of Delta on Tuesday night following the hard and horrible news of the recent mass shooting at a gay dance club in Orlando.

In the June 1 DCI, Mr. Stucker defined three reasons to direct your vote to Bentley. In the June 8 DCI, Mr. Sutton defined his reasons why your vote should be for Bentley. A closer, logical evaluation of this reasoning would indicate that Mark Roeber is the one for your vote.

I can't imagine how big the pile of sand is that the Delta County Republican Central Committee has its collective head stuck under. Where are elected county leaders who seem to have their lips stitched up tightly? Enough is enough! The damage that Linda Sorenson has done to this county is beyond comprehension.

Delta County has been the subject of recent news articles stemming from a meme that was posted on Facebook. Linda Sorenson, chair of the Delta County GOP Central Committee, has stated she exercised "bad judgment" in sharing the meme.

The fact that Linda Sorenson is "stunned" at the vitriol and hatred directed at her for posting a racist meme on Facebook points to her obvious need to educate herself on the history of civil rights in America. Her suggestion that she is somehow the victim in this incident would be laughable if it wasn't so pathetically sad.

Recently in Hotchkiss, a father, husband and great friend was hurt very seriously. His children went to the Paonia school. The kids had a bake sale for this friend and it was awesome to see these teens (high schoolers) do this almost on their own. They raised a very substantial amount of money for Mike Hillman and his family.

Warning: This is the kind of letter I wish I'd seen back when my husband I were looking for a retirement home in Delta County in the 1980s, because maybe we would have been aware that some trees that grow in this area should be avoided. If they are not, there can be many regrets.

We think it is interesting that Delta County GOP chairperson Linda Sorenson is being criticized by the NAACP for racial bias against Barack Obama, yet not one peep was made by the NAACP when the left made unprintable racial slurs against the Bush administration's secretary of state, Condoleeza Rice, who is black.

We are fortunate to have two people running in District 3 for county commissioner who have some qualities I wish were evident in races at state and federal levels. That said, this circumstance brings with it a problem I hope Delta County voters will take time to think about seriously.

A couple of years ago I became acquainted with Brad Harding and was most impressed with his knowledge, energy and approachability. I see Mr. Harding is running for a position on Delta-Montrose Electric Association's board.

If you ever had any doubt regarding the extent of the oil and gas industry's influence over the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), I would encourage you to read BLM's draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) that was just released.

Every day on the television, the three "big media" business channels harp over and over and over how the Internet and online shopping is responsible for the lost revenue to the large clothing and merchandise outlets that are now threatened with closing their stores. Don't believe it!

This letter is to recommend Brad Harding for the DMEA board of directors. During the years I have known Brad, I have seen that he has successfully operated and grown the First Colorado National Bank and has led the Delta County Economic Development, Inc., or DCED.

No matter your background or your zip code, every Coloradan deserves a fair shot at affording a quality health care plan. Unfortunately, those of us in the high country are all too aware of the ever-rising cost of health care.

Responding to the May 4 letter from Deanne Simmons, Delta, entitled "Camper living should be allowed," I emphatically agree with her every well-stated point. She gives a half dozen excellent reasons for changing the city's official attitude and asks three entities, the mayor, city manager and city council, to change the ordinance against living in a camper (trailer/RV/whatever name one might use) on private property in order to help or be helped by the property owner.

Please be advised that the Delta County People's Assembly is advertising and recruiting for 25 people to join the assembly. These meetings are similar to town hall meetings, where folks are encouraged to voice opinions on social issues.

As the former mayor of Paonia, I was dismayed to read about Representative Tipton's lease exchange proposal. Please let me explain. During 2014 and 2015 the leaders of Delta County, Hotchkiss and Paonia met with the staff of Senator Bennet's office to see if we could come up with a win/win proposal reference oil and gas leasing in the North Fork and Thompson Divide areas.

Drug Free Delta County would like to invite the community to share in our celebration of National Drug Court Month with a Delta County Adult Treatment Court graduation on Thursday, May 12, at 4 p.m. in Judge Sandra Miller's courtroom in the courthouse. We hope you'll enjoy seeing adult treatment court in action and stay after to share in refreshments to support our new graduate and other drug court clients, their families, our treatment court team and volunteers.

When I wrote my letter and it was published on March 16, it was in response to Tom Wills' letter the week before. Just as he had every right to say why he wanted the marijuana issues passed in Hotchkiss, I also had the right to defend why I felt they should not be passed.

This is in response to the April 27 DCI letter promoting the new climate science denier film put out by the fossil fuel industry-funded denier group CFACT and its notorious director, Marc Morano. According to reviews by those who have seen the film, it is a rehash of standard denier claims and features the usual cast of non-climate scientist-deniers and hucksters.

It seems like I am not the only one that realizes, after many, many years and election cycles, that my vote doesn't really matter. The "parties" of both Democrats and Republicans are in fact the ones to actually select who will be the candidate running for office.

Our county and city have been through a lot recently, with mines and businesses closing. In spite of this, I think we can survive -- even thrive -- if we all make a determined effort to shop and do our business locally.

Representative Tipton has released a "discussion draft" of a proposed lease exchange bill for contested leases in the Thompson Divide with brand new leases of approximately 30,000 acres in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. It is a giveaway to two oil companies and a terrible proposal for the North Fork Valley where most of the new leases would occur.

Another study has confirmed that 97 percent of climate scientists agree that humans are contributing to global warming. In addition, at the Paris climate conference (COP21) in December 2015, 195 countries adopted the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate deal.

It's April and tax season is here. We might grumble and complain, yet every year tens of millions of dollars of our resources are wasted from inefficient oil and gas operations on public lands. This is real value taken out of the pocket of U.S. taxpayers.

Representative Tipton, through his proposed "Western Colorado Lease Exchange and Conservation Act of 2016," has chosen to ignore the citizens of western Colorado in favor of a pork barrel giveaway to two Texas oil companies. The proposed act exchanges leases in the Thompson Divide area, leases that are expired or soon to expire and under threat of cancellation by the BLM, for brand new 10-year leases in the North Fork watershed near the Hubbard Park area north of Paonia.

I am a fourth-year student at Colorado Mesa University working toward degrees in land management and business. I had the opportunity to hear Dan Haley of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association speak at the March GJ Chamber energy briefing.

My mother was a keeper. I was going through some of her clippings, pictures, etc. and I came across a paper I had written. It was about 1952 and I would have been in the sixth grade. I thought people might be interested in what life was like in the North Fork Valley back then.

There have been some comments by the candidates for the Paonia Board of Trustees and mayor, to the effect that "if the North Fork Valley Airport is not making money, then sell it." As a resident of Delta County, but not of Paonia, I have been closely associated with the North Fork Valley Airport since I moved here almost 17 years ago, and currently have a hangar at the airport.

This is an open letter to those who poison animals with antifreeze. It is so easy to put out antifreeze to kill an animal as you turn your back, like it is no big deal. Let me fill you in on what happens to that animal.

Helen West believes the only people who can call Hotchkiss "our town" or the North Fork Valley "our valley" are those who were born and raised here. Her letter wasn't quite clear about the required number of generations to authenticate membership, but it sounded like at least two or three.

I want to start by saying I have no personal animosity towards Sheriff McKee or the Delta County Sheriff's Office. This letter could be addressed to any sheriff in the U.S. Sheriff McKee just happens to be the sheriff in the state and county where I live.

The current assault on the Delta County School District by Western Colorado Atheists and Freethinkers certainly is truly "nothing new under the sun." The effort to discredit Jesus Christ continues to fail, as well-documented in the book, "The Case for Christ" by author Lee Strobel, with a master's degree from Yale Law School, an award-winning journalist for 13 years at the Chicago Tribune and other newspapers -- with a background of atheism.

Whether by design or chance, it is quite appropriate for the school district administration to have chosen April 1 (All Fools Day) as the date to begin allowing the atheist/satanist coalition to begin displaying their literature in the local schools.

After reading the feature article "Atheists force 50J to defend open forum," that appeared on the front page of the DCI of March 23, I wish to make this comment. This is especially directed to those who profess to be members of the Western Colorado Atheists and Freethinkers organization and "atheists" in general.

The citizens of Hotchkiss have an opportunity to help in the economic recovery of Hotchkiss. Ballot measures 2A, 2B, and 2C allow for the well-regulated establishment of the legal marijuana industry in Hotchkiss.

If you are a registered voter in Hotchkiss, by the time you read this you have probably already sent back your mail-in ballot, but just in case it is still lying around the house here is my personal argument on why to vote yes on questions 2A, 2B and 2C, one last time.

Obviously, there are many reasons why the politicians (on both sides of the aisle) are savagely attacking Donald Trump. The biggest reason we can see is that Donald has pumped up the excitement in "all" of America's voting citizens, so much so, that the "yuge" spotlight that is pointed at him, is now glaringly "zeroed" in on each and every one of them, too.

Judging from the number of expensively printed fliers I have received in the last 10 days, it appears that some entity is very serious about promoting the sale of wine and full strength beer in Colorado's grocery stores. Personally, being a very light drinker, I'm not terribly concerned about the convenience of being able to pick up beer in the same store where I get my groceries.

The future of our valley is beginning to take a turn. I would like to add my opinion that comes from my heart, not some fancy facts. My husband and I are deeply concerned of the ballot issues concerning retail sales of pot and the related industries that it would bring to our area.

For the last eight years as mayor of Orchard City I have worked to put the lies, bullying and dirty politics behind us. In last week's letter to the editor from former Mayor Tom Huerkamp we were reminded how nice civility is.

I was thrilled to see DMEA announce they are bringing quality, high-speed Internet to our area. It seems that within a very short time, Delta and Montrose county will conduct business at a competitive pace.

It is exciting to read that DMEA is moving forward to bring high speed Internet to our area. South Montrose County, Paonia and Orchard City appear to be the first recipients of this step into the future.

As citizens of western Colorado and Delta County we all have the opportunity to speak our opinions by selecting those who will lead our local government. Especially now we need to take that opportunity very serious.

Without getting too mushy, I really do want to thank a special neighbor for his willingness to immediately help us with a very sad situation. We lost Freckles, our granddaughter's horse today, and it was unexpected.

I was rather alarmed while reading Mr. Laitres' letter a couple of weeks ago to learn that I was such a horrible person, self-centered and egotistical. Actually, the reason I registered as an independent quite a few years ago was that I was totally fed up with the shenanigans of both of our major political parties.

This letter is an attempt to convince the voters of my little town, Hotchkiss, to allow legal, commercial marijuana businesses to locate within the town. To set aside their moral objections and fears and consider what is best for everyone, something I have tried to always do in my 12 years on the Hotchkiss Town Council.

I want to give a big shout out to the board of directors of Delta Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) and their staff for moving forward rapidly with the fiber-to-premise broadband Internet service. As a resident of Orchard City I am particularly elated that we will be able to sign up in May for this world-class service.

Senator Bennet: Well, the current administration along with the help of the U.S. Senate has managed to almost completely kill what little economy remains here in the (Gunnison River) North Fork Valley of Delta County.

Leonardo DiCaprio flying around in a private jet to talk about climate change is like our local outspoken climate change advocates writing letters to the editor promoting Bernie Sanders, while living in a home/business supplied with electricity and driving around with internal combustion engines.

Earlier this year we put a political sign up in front of our house in Crawford, voicing our concerns re: Donald Trump and his attacks on the First Amendment. This obviously didn't sit well with some of his supporters in this area.

The Give 'Em Shelter building campaign for the Surface Creek shelter received a huge boost with the success of the Crockpots for Critters on Feb. 13. The event raised almost $8,000 and was so much fun! Volunteers who staff the Shelter Shoppe Boutique Thrift Store which supports the shelter hosted the event.

On March 1, Delta County Democrats, like all members of the party in the state who affiliated by the Jan. 4 deadline, will hold neighborhood precinct caucuses. The caucuses begin promptly by 7 p.m., but in this year of high interest I would urge all attendees to arrive at 6 p.m. when the doors open.

With next Tuesday being the Democratic caucus, I wanted to share why I believe that Hillary Clinton is the best choice for America. Former Secretary of State Clinton traveled over a million miles meeting with world leaders and her counterparts to forge strong alliances, support our allies and hold our adversaries accountable.

The letter from Robert Laitres (DCI 2/17) left me feeling both insulted and amused. Initially, he seemed to be aiming his remarks at people who believe independent voters should be allowed to participate in primary elections.

The pay equity battle strikes again at the Colorado State Capitol, but don't be fooled by the outdated statistics often presented by those advocating for the unnecessary legislation. Pay equity is an issue of the past, and both men and women alike can see the extraordinary changes that now ensure equal pay for equal work.

Many individuals (and only for the sake of appearance) are in favor of allowing those calling themselves "independent" to vote in political party primaries. That is no different than allowing non-members of any organization to participate in voting, whether that is a corporation or even a church.

Thanks to Mr. Laitres for his needed and well-deserved instruction on plagiarism coupled with the illustrative example of liberalism and tolerance. Particularly appreciated was the convoluted definition of plagiarism and what it really means.

Feb. 14 marks the 96th anniversary for the national voter's rights group, the League of Women Voters. The League of Women Voters of Montrose and Delta Counties is joining 800 local, state and national league chapters this month in honoring this milestone by celebrating their rich history in the fight for voter equality, as well as pressing forward in combatting current barriers to voting rights.

In a letter to the editor last week, Bruce Many stated that those who accept climate change "refuse to use evidence showing that ice ages have alternated with warming periods for eons" because to do so would not support the reality of climate change: we are just in the natural warming period following the last ice age. Actually, the reverse is true.

I have a 2004 Ford Expedition with a replica of an M-16 on top and a sign that says, "I am a United States Military Veteran: Be advised." I once took a solemn oath to uphold the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic.

February is Spay and Neuter Awareness Month! Yes, it's that time of year and I would like to mention that some of you readers didn't follow through like you promised after last year's awareness notice.

Another week, another climate denial letter in the DCI. This one, another from Mr. Many who is apparently unaware of what IPCC assessments are and what they are based on; the current status of climate science.

Mr. Sutton, in his most recent letter to this publication, this one on the plagiarism of another individual, is attempting to do nothing more than defend the indefensible. There is never any reason, or excuse, for plagiarism of any type or for any reason.

In my Dec. 30, 2015, letter, I submitted a 1922 AP article stating that the Arctic zone was experiencing temperatures so warm that ice was melting and seals were leaving. Steve Lyons charged that the report represented only a selective area and time.

I would like to thank Senator Donovan for introducing Senate Bill 21 -- the Public Lands Day bill -- into the state legislature recently. This is a great effort to designate a state holiday celebrating our public lands and recognizing all that they provide us as a community and as a state.

I read with interest a letter (DCI, 1/20/16) stating that schools should not expect single moms to have time to help their children with homework. I agree that it must be very difficult for single parents to do it all.

Delta County is faced with many challenges. Our county is a great place to live, but many residents, myself included, see our economic future going downhill and these trends will be difficult to stop without taking action.

As we begin this new year and reflect on the past year, we remain overwhelmed and overjoyed by the way this community has come together to create a warm, safe place for homeless men, women and families at the brand new facility of The Abraham Connection. More than a building, you have created a sanctuary, a place of hope and faith, a home.

Regarding the letter in the Jan. 13 issue of DCI written by Robin Nicholoff: It does not move any debate forward to publish a liberal hit piece about someone who happens to agree with many others, but not you.

Classical Conversations, or what we call CC, is a great option to public school. It gives you a fun, interactive way to teach your children the education you desire them to get to succeed in our ever-changing world.

I'm very glad that the top three Republican presidential candidates are not "establishment" Republicans. Republican voters are finally saying, "We're tired of business as usual. We want a return to conservative principles and smaller government!"

Has the definition of "NO" now been changed to mean "MAYBE"? Since medical marijuana approval in 2000, there have been numerous attempts by fringe minority groups to enlarge the permissive use of marijuana via different tacks.

Recently, I sent in a letter entitled "The American dream has come to an end." I regret to say that this letter, so true in every way, was taken from another article thereby not being of my own creation.

As Colorado citizens we have the choice between public, private, and home education. Jan. 25-29 is National School Choice Week. I would like to discuss the choice my family made called Classical Conversations (CC).

The BLM's issuance of 65 Thompson Divide leases was a gross violation of the BLM's mandated responsibility to protect the land and only allow development in appropriate places. And that really is a crime because it favors corporate interests over the community's future and well-being.

I find it very difficult to accept the fact we have American citizens who are offended by the above title. Apparently they are deluded into believing the United States of America can be separated from God.

I'm writing in regards to some very sad news that I received this morning from my brother, Bill Chick. He had a phone call from a very special man in both of our lives, Mr. Robert Tuttle, our high school vocational agriculture teacher and FFA supervisor.

When was the last time you used microfilm or microfiche to find information? Does the phrase "online bulletin board" bring to mind that screeching noise associated with dial-up connections from 20 years ago?

Last week there was a letter in the DCI titled "Global warming 'news'" that included a newspaper article detailing very warm gulf stream temperatures, melting ice, disappearing glaciers and unheard-of high temperatures in the Arctic. A reader would be led to believe this is all evidence for our present-day global warming.

The countries of the world have just agreed that mankind has affected the environment since the start of the Industrial Revolution. They have agreed to cut their emissions and contribute to helping developing countries bypass fossil fuels and go straight to renewable energy, as well as help them cope with the current effects caused by, or worsened by, global climate change.

As one of a declining group who chooses to get the daily news from newspapers, it was amazingly gratifying to read pages 1B and 2B of the Daily Sentinel for Dec. 31, 2015. Three of the top 10 stories for 2015 regional sports dealt with student athletes from Paonia High School.

The American dream ended on Nov. 6, 2012, in Ohio. The second term of Barack Obama has been the final nail in the coffin for the legacy of the white Christian males who discovered, explored, pioneered, settled and developed the greatest republic in the history of mankind.

COP21, the "council of parties" that included some 194 nations, has concluded in Paris and agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly over the coming decades, with most countries, including the U.S., submitting plans to accomplish this. We are the highest per-capita GHG emitter and second, behind China, in total national emissions.

"The Arctic Ocean is warming up, icebergs are growing scarcer and in some places the seals are finding the water too hot, according to a report to the Commerce Department from the Consulate, at Bergen, Norway. Reports from fishermen, seal hunters and explorers all point to a radical change in climate conditions and hitherto unheard-of temperatures in the Arctic zone.

Recent weeks marked a moment in Colorado's water history by charting a path to the future with a comprehensive water plan being released to the public. The Colorado Water Plan was delivered to Governor Hickenlooper, and with it, the thoughts and goals of months of work by the basin roundtables.

So Mr. Wills thinks global terrorism is a short-term problem. He needs to explain that to the families of the victims in San Bernardino, Boston, New York, Benghazi, Paris, London, Madrid, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Afganistan, Yemen, Somalia, Malaysia, Philippines, and elsewhere.

Parents and community members that have supported A kidZ Clinic would want to know that there have been significant changes to the clinic in the last 30 days. The school-based health center (SBHC) has lived in the hearts of many community members for over a decade and was finally made into a reality in July of 2014.

In response to the two letters that appeared in the Dec. 9 DCI questioning the urgency of dealing with climate change, I would begin with a couple of statements. One: climate change caused by human-caused global warming, caused in turn mainly by our adding new CO2 to the carbon cycle through the burning of fossil fuels, is the very most important issue of the present and will continue to be so for several generations.

I listen to those who feel as the president does, that climate change is a more serious threat to us as a nation than the threat of isis coming here to take over. I fail to see how climate change is to blame for everything from isis domination to our out-of-work status.

On Sept. 13 of this year Ron suffered injuries from a fall at the cleaners building. We would like to take this opportunity to give heartfelt thanks to the North Fork Ambulance, Paonia Fire Department, Delta County Memorial Hospital, Transcare Ambulance, St. Mary's Hospital, Rocky Mountain Orthopedics and Paonia Care and Rehab for professional care and rehabilitation along with continuing therapy.

I am incredibly hopeful that the upcoming Paris Climate Conference can bring about a strong commitment among nations to put firm limits on carbon emissions. This is not only a tardy international need, but the harbinger of an improved economy as we transition to renewal energies rather than rely on depletable or non-usable fuels (due to climate change).

Climate change by nature is acceptable, but weather by the bureaucrats in D.C. is not, to my way of thinking. Science is unpredictable, especially when directed by the New World Order and placed in human hands. Congress is no help.

I urge your publication to publish an editorial urging Congress to pass important Medicare Part D and prescription drug bills. Passage of the Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act (H.R. 3261 and S. 1884) would create one or more Medicare-administered prescription drug plans to compete with the expensive, privately administered prescription drug plans currently offered under Medicare Part D.

We should all truly celebrate. Two years after the governor's executive order, we finally have a Colorado Water Plan that lays out measurable objectives and metrics to help guide us toward a secure water future.

Perhaps President Obama's buddy, El Presidente Castro of the island prison of Cuba will entertain a proposal from Obama to release the remaining Islamic terrorists at Guantanamo to freedom in Cuba. Castro has run Cuba as a prison for most of the island's people for over a half century, while executing thousands of his own citizens.

Imagine living in a very remote location at a very high elevation that doesn't afford TV or radio access, you haven't read the newspapers and have avoided outer human contact for some time. This was my experience some years ago and it became very obvious to me, one of the first times I went in to the nearest town to get supplies, that something very strange was happening.

Truly responsible individuals (most actually consider themselves as such) who incur obligations should be not only willing, but should feel themselves obligated to face up to them. That is true of everything, even that which they incurred to those who served in the military.

My letter to the editor (Oct. 28) must have touched a few nerves: the following week there were five climate change denial response letters. Bill Sutton felt my comparing the tactics of the tobacco industry to the fossil fuel industry to be unfair because tobacco use was an "individual choice" and petroleum use wasn't.

"Human influence on the climate system is clear, and recent anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases are the highest in history. Recent climate changes have had widespread impacts on human and natural systems."

Those who question the validity of global warming are called "climate change deniers." The same should be said about those who cling to the expert opinions of famous scientists Al Gore and Michael Moore.

A group of individuals recently appeared before the Delta County Board of County Commissioners asking for public funds to set up what they called "citizen juries," claiming that the Constitution provides for them.

Were they better informed and intellectually astute, they would have realized that we already have citizen juries.

All the technical talk aside, references are not necessary to analyze global warming. Anyone with a lick of sense understands that it's not happening, never mind what a conservative newspaper's opinion page I regularly read refers to as "climate cluckers" would like to think.

I am a 1972 graduate of Delta High School. I have been an active coal miner nearly 30 years mostly as a state and federally certified electrician repairman with mine fire boss and mine foreman qualifications.

I would like to add some details to the story of the Paonia trustees' payments to their auditor. While quick to denigrate "past councils" for poor management decisions, the majority of the current trustees seem to have learned nothing.

Once again, as usual, responders to my letter about climate and data misinformation come back with the typical slurs against both individuals and organizations that are trying to educate the populace. Both responses appeared in the DCI on Oct. 28.

Since the climate change believers, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the media have decided carbon dioxide, an essential for life, is a pollutant, coal-fired power plants and coal mines are closing. Delta County has lost hundreds of good paying jobs.

The North Fork Water Conservancy District has a question, #4A, on the ballot for voters residing within the district. Approval of this measure is a win for everyone by helping to keep the ag economy viable and providing for tourism and recreation.

The board of directors of the Ragged Mountain Water Users Association (RMWUA) asks property owners in the North Fork Water Conservancy District to vote "YES" on Ballot Question 4A. Approval of the ballot measure will allow the NFWCD to accept State of Colorado grant monies and manage tax revenues with greater financial flexibility and productivity. These benefits will be realized without any increase in tax assessments.

In his letter to the DCI editor (10/21/15), William H. Snyer expressed concern about "climate misinformation, deception and outright lies." I have the same concern. But I have a different take on where it is coming from.

An article in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel Oct. 22 issue, "Glenwood-to-Denver bus line to add weekend service," has an extremely important caveat included, the possibility of extending the service to Grand Junction. This is an exciting possibility to improve transportation options not only in Mesa County but in neighboring communities, particularly Delta County.

Mr. Mason in his letter denying climate change (10/21/15) talked about the satellite temperature record, but cited no articles. I was able to find some charts online, but none of them agree with Mr. Mason's assertions.

As you receive your ballots for the upcoming Nov. 3 election, you will see questions regarding "re-establishing rights to provide all services restricted since 2005 by Title 29, article 27 of the Colorado Revised Statutes."

I am writing to encourage the voters in unincorporated Delta County and the voters in Delta, Cedaredge, Hotchkiss, Paonia and Crawford to vote yes to opt out of the provisions of Senate Bill 152 as it relates to broadband. In no way does this obligate any of these entities to operate or contribute financially to efforts to bring greater Internet speed and reliability to all of Delta County.

I would like to endorse Jill Jurca for the open seat in District 2 to serve on the school board in Delta. Jill is a graduate of Delta High School and is currently involved with DHS as the mother of two very smart young ladies.

The board of directors of the Fire Mountain Canal and Reservoir Company urge voters in the North Fork Conservancy District to vote "yes" on Ballot Question 4A. We believe the proposal to allow the conservancy district to accept grant money and manage tax revenues more productively, with no increase in tax assessments, will be beneficial to the entire geographic area.

I urge all Delta County Voters to VOTE YES on Delta County Ballot Question 1A. Delta County Ballot Question 1A asks the basic question to voters, shall the county have a role in bringing improved broadband infrastructure to the entire county.

Let me get this straight, I made 20 scarecrows, spent three days putting them together, giving each a lot of thought and time, making each one pretty specific to where they were placed, the cost of around $20 in straw, misc., not counting what the Cedaredge Methodist Thrift Shop and the Shelter Shoppe donated in clothes, my guess at least $100 and someone took them! They were only taken down on Main Street.

In spite of tremendous breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer remains the most common cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death for women in the U.S.

With more than 230,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer and more than 40,000 deaths nationwide last year alone, it is imperative for every woman to know what she can do to protect herself from this terrible disease.

Delta Area Chamber of Commerce requesting additional funding from the city at the last council meeting is like the adult child living at home asking for a bigger allowance. The chamber occupies 301 Main Street, the building is owned by the City of Delta.

I recently received a newsletter from Colorado Health, which is basically a brokerage for those seeking "affordable" health insurance. According to Colorado Health, health insurance rates will increase from 21 to 34 percent this year.

On Wednesday, Pope Francis arrived in Washington for a historic visit to the United States. His public remarks staunchly reiterated that climate change is one of the prevailing moral issues of our time.

As parents, we see enormous value in providing young children with the opportunity to love education before they even start kindergarten. We are extremely lucky to have BELA (Backpack Early Learning Academy) preschools in Delta County to start our kids on the right foot.

The reality about corporations is that corporations and their directors are mandated to shareholders to make a profit. They are NOT mandated to protect the long-term health of those who consume their products.

The situation in Paonia has become critical. A new audit of the town's finances has the trustees panicked. There are big changes ahead for people who use the town's water, sewer or trash, get building permits or are charged with infractions of the town's ordinances.

What a person truly believes is not to be found in what they say, no matter how noble they claim are their objectives, but rather in what they do or don't do, something which is clearly noticeable to those who have trained themselves to observe and note minutiae. There are many such indicators but two which some of us have noted are observable in supermarket parking lots.

Girl Scouts of Colorado is inviting girls from across the state, along with their families, to join the fun! As a Girl Scout, your girl will make friends, try new things and learn leadership skills through activities like building robots, camping, playing sports and doing her part to make the world a better place.

It may not be common knowledge that Sept. 14-20 has been designated as "Colorado Cities and Towns Week." The idea is that during these seven days, every city and town in the state can take the opportunity to show the pride that we have in the special place we call home.

With the new school year just around the corner, parents' attention is turning to school clothes, supplies and lunches. Yes, school lunches! In past years, USDA had used our nation's schools as a dumping ground for surplus meat and dairy commodities.

In 2006 the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) adopted its position supporting abolition of the death penalty. The League of Women Voters of Colorado (LWVCO) concurs with this position and supported legislation in 2013 to repeal the death penalty in Colorado. This legislation was not passed.

Your wonderful article on the "Loving Spoonfuls" program gave me great joy (B1, Aug. 26 DCI). The commitment that Ms. Jeanne Gatto had in her idea to put locally produced food to good use, to bring people together in a completely selfless act of sharing,

I am opposed to fracking. I do not believe that there is a safe and responsible way to produce oil and gas and I support the proposed legislation that will permanently remove a large portion of the previously proposed sale of leases in the North Fork Valley.

I am disappointed to read that the oil and gas industry continues to oppose commonsense efforts to protect important public lands in the North Fork Valley and the Thompson Divide from future oil and gas development.

My father's ancestors settled and homesteaded in Delta County, mostly in the Tongue Creek area west of Eckert. My family has always farmed in Delta County, and my wife and I own a renewable energy company that installs solar electric systems in the area.

Fort Uncompahgre on the Old Spanish Trail is open and recently held an historic reenactment of the daily life of a fur trapper in the 1840s. The event was a resounding success with a great turnout by the public.

Delta and Gunnison county are both on record stating that for an exchange of national forest oil and gas leases to go through, other important public lands in the area need to be removed from the possibility of future leasing to help ensure a balance of uses of public lands in the valley.

Delta County residents, let me introduce myself. I am Jill Jurca, and I am running for the open school board seat for District 2. This position is within the boundaries of the City of Delta, but is still a voice for all residents of the county.

On Aug. 7 and 8, a group of Cedaredge "Cub" graduates worked hard to put on the first Cedaredge Cub alumni reunion. We had an impromptu get-together for a group three years ago, former grads who just happened to be visiting in the Cedaredge area, and decided that an alumni reunion was long overdue.

On Aug 4, I attended a meeting in Delta hosting Rep. Scott Tipton. This letter addresses issues that arose during that meeting -- Mr. Tipton's vote on the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act and his evasive response to the question of whether he believed humans contributed to global climate change.

I am writing to agree with Jane Poulos' letter on the North Fork Medical Clinic in Paonia. I am a patient of Dr. Meilner, who is one doctor who doesn't discriminate against chronic pain patients. He treats you with respect and he cares deeply for his many patients.

Regardless of whether the reader is a consumer of the DCMH complex of health care or not, I would suggest that you take the time to find out who your representative to the DCMH is and request that they do the job to which they were elected. They seem to be in uninformed blissful ignorance currently.

North Fork School of Integrated Studies (NFSIS) would like to thank the DCI for the front page coverage of the magnet school that is beginning this year in Paonia. It is quite a testament to our district board that they have heard the educational needs of folks in the North Fork Valley and responded with inclusion.

One of the many pleasures of serving as state senator is gaining a deeper understanding about the communities that make up our unique part of the state. Last week, I had the opportunity to tour West Elk mine.

The families we serve and the staff and board of Haven House wish to express our deep appreciation to all who helped us purchase the property formerly known as the dorm for our transitional housing and child development programs.

I believe I heard through the grapevine that the mayor of Paonia engaged in a river trip with his family and others canoeing from Delta down to Whitewater this month. Can his trip be interpreted as his endorsement of BLM recreation plans?

Delta County recently went on record supporting the withdrawal of important public lands from future oil and gas development so they can be enjoyed and protected for their other uses and values. In addition, Delta County has expressed its intent to use its local authority over development to make sure the community has a voice in shaping how this activity proceeds where it does happen in the county, such as in the "lease exchange" area being sought by Texas-based SG Interests.

Not everyone who lives in Paonia and Hotchkiss wants or is able to drive to see a doctor in Delta. When the hospital took over the management of the North Fork Medical Clinics last year, I hoped that they would provide financial sustainability to keep this infrastructure in place.

In response to Kathy Svenson's letter, I am stepping up as a school board candidate. I made my decision to become a candidate in early March, and since then I have attended school board meetings, visited schools and with teachers and principals, and listened to voters.

A friend of mine suggested for me to eat at the Delta Senior Center and I tried it. Now I know all the benefits I am receiving from that and want to share that invitation with all of you in this community or elsewhere.

The Creamery Art Gallery in Hotchkiss hosts superb collections of fine art. Currently work from the Delta Fine Arts Guild is being shown at the Creamery and will be on display until the third week of August.

Following months of letters and complaints regarding the heavy commercial traffic continuing to make Main Street a very noisy and uncomfortable place to shop and socialize, I can't understand why something hasn't been done with regard to the traffic light pattern. As someone with friends who drive big rigs I have heard the one thing that will make the drivers choose the bypass is having to constantly stop and start just to get through town.

On the evening of July 29 about 64 supporters of Vermont independent, and Democratic presidential candidate, Senator Bernie Sanders gathered at Memorial Hall in Hotchkiss. The event was part of some 3,500 held across the country with well over 100,000 core supporters of Sanders attending.

I love living in the North Fork Valley -- the scenery, the farms, the ranches, the food and the creative people. This community provides an extraordinary quality of life. I am grateful to have my home and business here.

On Tuesday July 20, in a packed courtroom David Justice was sentenced after an earlier jury found him guilty of removing an illegal barrier erected across Cushman Creek road by the U.S. federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM). He freely admits the action assisted by 22 other like-minded citizens.

Dave Eckhardt's letter, "Renewable Fuel Standard is working," July 22 DCI, didn't mention certain facts of the matter. Various studies and investigations have established that corn ethanol production consumes much more energy than it delivers.

A most sincere and heartfelt "Thank you!" to the Delta County Commissioners and staff for their support of withdrawal of the public lands surrounding the North Fork Valley from future oil and gas development.

There are a lot of questions and concerns in regards to the North Fork clinics with the recent event of the clinics being "handed back to Drs. Hundley and Meilner." Everyone seems excited by this, but most people do not quite understand what it takes to run a clinic and why the hospital stepped in to begin with.

The recently announced closing of the Creamery in Hotchkiss, while sentimental to some, especially on summer days when an ice cream cone is so refreshing, may open doors to a new attitude and opportunities for artists in the area.

The EPA recently snubbed the Renewable Fuel Standard with a revision to the rule that would cut corn ethanol obligations by 3.75 billion gallons over three years -- equivalent to a billion and a half bushels in lost corn demand.

Dear Editor:The woods are my place of solitude, a place where I am at peace and where I feel most alive. Each time I drink the coolness of pristine mountain water or breathe in the fresh sap of sun-laden evergreens, my worries seem to fade away. I feel content and free of all stress.